try latest tip/master plus an USB debug key, then enable
CONFIG_EARLY_PRINTK_DBGP=y in your .config on the host, add the
earlyprintk=dbgp,keep boot parameter and reboot [and disable USB for
good measure]. On the other host you connect to via an USB cable, enable
USB_SERIAL_DEBUG=y and use /dev/ttyUSB0 with the serial terminal app of
your choice.
that, as long as the USB ports are operational, gives a working serial
console on just about any laptop.
Ingo
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